A flocked surface and generous 18 inches of height made this bed feel extra comfortable while testing. There are no extra features like a built-in pillow or adjustable firmness (you must manually turn the pump off when inflating the mattress). However, it’s a great, budget-friendly option that is comfortable and easy to get in and out of. It doesn’t have extra bells and whistles, but it is easy to inflate with the built-in pump and will keep you or your guests comfortable. An air mattress is a convenient way to have a guest bed ready to go in a matter of minutes. And because they can easily be deflated and packed into a compact size, they’re ideal for taking on camping trips and other overnight visits.
We purchased and tested a range of air mattresses from popular home and camping brands, including Aerobed and Coleman, to find the best options on the market. Our team of editors and testers spent 12 hours testing ten air mattresses in The Lab. We timed how long each one took to inflate (and also deflate for storage), how loud the pump was, and how simple and convenient the setup process was in general. Once each mattress was inflated, we judged them on their design and visual appeal, including practical factors such as cord length.
The Big Agnes Sidewinder also includes a storage sack and stuff sack. We recommend this sleeping bag for couples who car camp in colder climates. The North Face Eco Trail Bed Double is the top choice for a double bag, due to its warm insulation, comfortable design, and use of recycled materials. The 14-inch side zipper at the collar is a convenient feature that adds to the overall comfort and functionality of the bag. The bag packs down to a reasonable size, making it easy to transport and store. Overall, this rectangular sleeping bag is a high-quality, affordable option for duos seeking a cozy and durable sleeping solution during their car camping trips.
Mummy bags like the Sawtooth 15 tend to be more conducive for backpackers trying to save weight, but a mummy bag might be more comfortable if you like to burrow in. Just like any other type of mattress, you should decide how high you want your air mattress to be before you browse through options. Generally, shoppers have two options—low-profile and double-height—both of which have their own set of pros and cons. While low-profile mattresses are lightweight and portable enough to bring on a camping trip, they might require extra legwork as they may deflate quickly. A taller, double-height mattress may not be ideal for every situation, but these models typically come with an electric pump to make inflation a little easier.
This 19-inch-tall queen air mattress has 40 internal air coils to evenly support the weight. A flocked top adds to the nice appearance and comfortable feel of this mattress. It’s also equipped with a built-in pump that assists with inflation and deflation functions, but it should be noted that the pump could have worked more ozark trail sun shelter quickly. It took seven minutes to fully inflate this queen air mattress, which is longer than others with a built-in pump. While deflating the mattress was also slow, the deflate function on the pump made it a simple process. Once packed into the included carry bag, we found it to be very convenient to carry and store.
Filled with 900-fill-power fluorocarbon-free down that has a durable water-repellent coating, the bag boasts an even insulation distribution to eliminate cold spots, plus it resists moisture and dries quickly. While the price tag makes it one of the most expensive bags on our list, if you are backpacking a lot, you might want to make that investment. What creates a higher cost is the materials, essentially, because they are going to be a lot more lightweight and durable for the backpacking ones versus the car camping ones. The bag feels much lighter, softer, and plushier than most others on the market. It was cozy even during a cold, windy night with wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour.
Our recommendations all use electric pumps for faster inflation and deflation, and most have a built-in pump to further simplify the process. We also love that the mattress has a built-in grab handle and comes with a travel bag, making it easy to take on the go. The mattress and pump would fit on a shelf or in a corner of your closet, and they are light enough to transport to a friend’s house or camping. Keep in mind that this air mattress is shorter than a twin-sized air mattress; it measures 62 inches long when inflated, in comparison with the 75 inches that is standard for twin beds.
But it’s priced right for its features, and that’s just one of the many reasons it’s our top pick. Saryn Chorney, a sustainable lifestyle and eco-travel writer, worked with travel editors and pulled from her own camping experiences, including a three-week road trip across the U.S. Outdoor gear expert Nathan Allen also contributed his expertise when compiling this list. Whether you’re camping out under the stars, snug in a tent, hanging in a hammock, or cozy inside your RV, the first factor to consider when choosing a bag is the temperature and your overall campsite environment. A sleeping bag that keeps you cool in the summer might not withstand a dipping fall thermostat, let alone frigid winter weather. However, a warm bag may render you sweaty and uncomfortable in warmer months.